The borough has also started to create other fines to help combat illegal apartments. Among them is an illegal locking mechanism fine of $500 if the inspector finds a padlock or deadbolt on a bedroom door.

"We still have the issue. You're always going to," Licameli said. "A lot of people don't want to get involved or are just tired of it. But, if you see something report it."

Other Bergen County towns have also tried to encourage residents to report illegal apartments.

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Garfield started to offer a $100 bounty for anyone that turned in and found an illegal apartment. The city also recently upped their fines from $500 to a minimum of $1,500 to help stop repeat offenders.

What you can do

"The inspector is going around when we receive tips, but we need people to be more aware of it," Bellucci said. "There's more garbage, overcrowding of schools, unsafe fire hazards and it all comes from illegal apartments."

Residents who want to report an illegal apartment can call 201-945-3040.

Besides residents calling in, Licameli said he's experienced property owners calling and complaining about their own tenants when they suspect there's an illegal apartment.

If you're a tenant and not aware you're living in an illegal apartment — there are laws to protect you.

Tenants displaced because of illegal apartments are entitled to reimbursement for relocation from the owner up to six times the monthly rental rate that was previously charged, according to New Jersey law.